Guidance on using AI in relation to your child's SEND

Recently Essex SEND IASS has noticed that more parents/carers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for SEND information and advice, or to help with creating documents relating to their child’s SEND.

Whilst we understand how useful AI can be, particularly for those who may find it difficult to know what to write, we would advise parents to take care when considering using an AI tool.

Although you may feel the information AI gives you is correct there is a risk that the information it provides is not accurate. Although AI may be helpful to give you a starting point and ideas of what to write we would advise you to be cautious and to check the information for accuracy.

The information that AI provides is generic and not specific so is not tailored to your circumstances and experiences.

We would advise being cautious of uploading your personal documents and photos as once uploaded to the AI programme you are using, they will automatically belong to that programme, and you will have no control on what that programme does with your information.

You are entitled to receive information and advice in a way that works best for you. However, Essex SEND IASS does not have the capacity to read through AI-generated documents. Because AI is not always accurate or up to date, especially when it comes to SEND law and education processes, this would mean spending a disproportionate amount of time checking the content is factual and also there may be conflicting advice to what we would give. We need to ensure our service directs support to those parent/carers who are not able to use AI as a resource and want direct support and advice from us.

For further information read from Council for Disabled Children IASSN Statement on AI